July 18, Wuhan--- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and China Family Planning Association (CFPA) officially launched a powerful and innovative youth programme of Dance4life in China to empower young people to promote positive lifestyle, participation and life skills and to address issues concerning them, including sexual reproductive health issues, including AIDS and sexual violence.
Dance4life is one of the most successful youth programmes around the globe. It started in 2004 in the Netherlands. Since establishment, dance4life has empowered almost 2 million young people around the world by using the universal language of dance and the positive energy of music to connect with young people as equals. Being active in 18 countries in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia, the dance4life model has received awards from the World Economic Forum and the European Commission for its contribution in promoting adolescent health and positive life style.
With the first launch ceremony in the dance4life initiative in Wuhan, China has become the 19th country where dance4life is active. Mr. Arie Hoekman, UNFPA China Representative, Ms. Jael Van Der Heijden, Director of Programmes from Dance4life Headquarter, Mr. Zhu Baogui, Director of General of Logistics and Administration Department of CFPA, Ms. Zhang Youfang, Deputy Director of CFPA Hubei Branch, and over 30 youth volunteers attended the ceremony.
Similar to other countries, with changing social values, young people in China are exposed to increasing reproductive health risks, including unsafe sex, unplanned pregnancies, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and gender-based violence. Recent statistics showed that about 87.1% of HIV infections are through sexual transmission while overall incidence prevalence is very low. These statistics do show that the number of young people aged 15-24 infected by HIV is on the rise in China.
A UNFPA-supported national survey on access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by unmarried youth aged 15-24 in China showed that even though the majority of unmarried youth are open to having sex before marriage, only a very small portion of them—less than 5 per cent, are well informed about reproductive health. Less than 15 per cent had correct knowledge about preventing HIV infection. The survey showed 4 out of 100 unmarried girls aged 15-24 had experienced at least one pregnancy and 91 per cent of these pregnancies resulted in abortion.
“As some of you have already experienced, dance4life has the potential and ability to respond to these issues: to truly reach young people; provide the information they deserve and desire; to link them with services; activate them to become agents who create positive change in their community; and create a supportive environment in which parents, peers, teachers and others alike actively take part,” Mr. Arie Hoekman, UNFPA China Representative said in his speech. He also expressed his hope that Dance4life can grow into a platform for increased investment on youth sexual and reproductive health from all stakeholders involved, including the private sector.
Representing CFPA, UNFPA’s key national partner on youth sexual and reproductive health, Mr. Zhu Baogui said: “CFPA has attached great importance to youth participation in advocating for youth sexual and reproductive health issues. With Dance4life brought in China, we will further our joint efforts to promote more active and effective youth participation to a larger scale.” As the key partner of dance4life in China, CFPA has mobilized its local branches starting from Wuhan and Shenzhen to lead dance4life locally.
Dance4life Programme Director Ms. Jael Van Der Heijden said: “Today, dance4life China has become a reality. This is a huge milestone in the history of dance4life. We are so proud to partner with CFPA and UNFPA to introduce dance4life to China. Together we will empower many young people in China to take responsibility, make informed choices and lead healthy lives, starting today here in Wuhan.”
The event also marked the successful completion of 5-day Heart Connection Tour Trainings (HCT) to the first 30 dance4life volunteers recruited in Wuhan. At the ceremony freshly trained volunteers demonstrated how music and dance can help build inspiration, enthusiasm and capacity of young people to get involved and see themselves as part of the solution to address the increasing challenges in sexual and reproductive health and other aspects.
Red Zebra Foundation from South Africa provided the first HCT training to the first batch of Chinese volunteers. The training is designed to empower and build the capacity of local volunteers so that they can deliver impactful, inspiring and successful HCT sessions among young people.
Immediately after the launch in Wuhan, Dance4life China Programme will be officially initiated in Shenzhen in the following week. Representative form Shenzhen Family Planning Association expressed that it is a pleasure that Shenzhen will be one of the first hosts of dance4life in China with the hope that it will evolve into a great magnetic platform to engage young people, especially the young migrant workers here in Shenzhen.
According to the work plan through the collaboration between UNFPA, CFPA and Dance4life headquarters, dance4life will be rolled out in other cities of China in the next couple of years. It hopes to attract many more partners ranging from local governments, the private sector and foundations, as well as public figures to act as stronger supporters and ambassadors of youth development.
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